Price of land surrounding 7th mile post neighboring Walawe River has risen up due to the increasing popularity of the Udawalawe National Park among tourists. Currently it attracts thousands of local and international visitors. 

Because of this new situation livelihood of the locals has started to improve. A decade ago, only 10 safari jeeps catered for visitors. Now the number has exceeded 350. The park is the third most visited national park in the country.

However, residents of the area have concerns about their livelihood due to illegal practices. Fishing is allowed in Udawalawe Reservoir and hunters use this as a cover-up to continue their activities. Locals are concerned about the situation as their livelihood depends on the wild animals.

(Lalith Chaminda)